Perspectives
on the Landscape of Life
By
DJ Note
Leaving
A Legacy
"We all leave footprints in the sand, the
question is, will we be a big heal, or a great soul." source unknown
When
was the last time you spent a moment or two wondering about the legacy you’ll
leave? Everyone leaves one, you know, because a legacy is something passed down
by or received from an ancestor from the past.
It’s something that is part of your history, something from an earlier
time that stays for the benefit of future generations. For believers, it’s
about how the next generation will glean from the rich and faithful life we’ve
lived.
Scripture
is full of examples that pave the way. The story of Esther declares a legacy of
courage “for such a time as this.” Ruth demonstrated the spirit of loyalty.
Deborah had the heart of a righteous warrior. And Abigail left a legacy of
diligence and wisdom. And look at the faithfulness of Abraham, the obedience of
Noah, or the character of Boaz. All of these left legacies worthy of following.
I
see evidence of legacies in the making in tangible ways when a family Bible is
chosen then one day passed to future generations, or a special journal that
will hold the heart of a life’s struggles and triumphs.
I
began writing a personal journal to my first-born grandchild the moment her
tiny life, yet hidden, was made known to me.
Now three-years-old, I’ll one day pass that journal, with all its
penciled treasures, on to her.
And
for nearly thirty years, I’ve labored over my Christmas letters, highlighting
special events, documenting the ebb and flow of the months they unravel. Collected in an heirloom album, these will
become a legacy of family trials and triumphs to be shared by future
generations.
But
living a life of faith isn’t quite as easy as putting pen to paper. The life
well lived in Christ takes the diligent practice of a faith lived one day at a
time. No one achieves it single-handedly. And not one lives it perfectly. We
all need an occasional leg up of encouragement if we are to leave behind the
legacy our hearts desire.
My
great uncle John, a godly man, was quite a patriot. Saluting ‘old glory’ as he
raised the colors at break of day, then retiring them before sunset. His is a
legacy I’ve carried in my memory since childhood. The sincerity of his, “God
bless you” with each hug still echoes in the sentimental chambers of my mind.
And my Grandmother frequently reminded us that, “Life is grand if you don’t weaken,”
a phrase she demonstrated throughout her 101 years.
What
will we leave for those who follow? May it be a legacy of true courage,
honesty, loyalty, kindness, and generosity—a legacy that shouts of integrity.
And may it be worthy of those who came before us.
I
pray we become diligent to demonstrate each day, the raw definition of faithful
living to an Almighty God. It’s a
choice, you know. One we all must make. And thank God, it’s never too late to
get started. Leave a legacy… and make it worthy of your calling.
Deborah J. Note writes from
Eagle Point, Oregon.